EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal monitor Atletico Madrid talent Adrian Nino

Steve Kay

• Updated: 28 Mar 2025 17:37 GMT
• 5 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Atletico Madrid’s highly-rated young forward Adrian Nino, FootballTransfers understands.

The 20-year-old, who has been turning heads in Atleti’s B-team, is regarded as a bright attacking prospect in Spain - and with new sporting director Andrea Berta set to get to work at the Emirates, his links to the Madrid giants could make this a transfer to watch.

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Nino’s rise through the ranks at Atletico has not gone unnoticed. Diego Simeone has already brought him into first-team training, and many see him as a future star for the Rojiblancos.

His playing style has drawn comparisons to Atleti greats Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres thanks to his sharp movement, lethal finishing, and relentless pressing - qualities that have alerted the Gunners.

While Arsenal’s scouting team is always on the lookout for emerging talent, Berta’s deep ties to Atletico could be key in this pursuit. The Italian executive, who helped shape Atleti’s squad for years, is now tasked with taking Arsenal’s recruitment to the next level.

If Nino becomes available, Berta would be well-placed to make a move happen.

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Adrian Nino has enjoyed a strong 2024/2025 season with Atletico Madrid’s B-team so far, scoring 10 goals in 26 league appearances. He made his first-team debut in January 2025, coming on as a substitute in a LaLiga match against Leganes.

Despite this very brief senior appearance, his overall performances this season have solidified his reputation as one of Spain's top young attacking prospects.

That said, sources indicate that Arsenal are more keen on Santiago Castro. FootballTransfers exclusively revealed earlier this month that the North London giants are among the clubs with a concrete interest in the Bologna striker.

The 20-year-old Argentina forward has surged up Arsenal's shortlist of late, although the more established Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko remain key names in the club's ongoing pursuit of a new No.9.

We understand that Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Castro and is personally pushing for his signing. However, Nino’s name is now firmly in the mix, giving Arsenal another exciting option to consider.

Atletico are unlikely to part with Nino easily, but recent transfer dealings suggest they could be open to a sale if the right offer arrives. Arsenal’s strong track record of developing young forwards could also appeal to the Spanish youngster.

With Berta’s influence, Arteta’s vision, and Arsenal’s growing ambition, Nino’s future is one to keep a close eye on. If the Gunners step up their interest, competition from other European clubs is inevitable.

But with the right approach, Arsenal could position themselves as serious contenders for his signature.